Leyte Normal University - ROTC UNIT

𝘽𝙄𝙍𝙏𝙃𝘿𝘼𝙔 𝙃𝙊𝙉𝙊𝙍𝙎: With utmost respect, we extend our warmest birthday greetings to our fierce and highly admired Tactical NCO, Sgt Duren M Malate, PA (Res)!

Your strength, discipline, and commanding presence continue to push us beyond our limits and shape us into more resilient and capable cadets. Through your firm guidance and unwavering standards, you have instilled in us the true meaning of responsibility, teamwork, and military excellence.

On your special day, we honor not only your leadership but also your dedication and passion in training and mentoring us. May you be blessed with continued strength, good health, and success in all aspects of your life.

Happy birthday, ma’am! Your impact on us will always be remembered and carried forward.

Warmest birthday greetings to our respected Assistant Commandant, 1LT LEO R RABI PA (RES)

On this special day, we extend our sincere appreciation for your steadfast leadership, discipline, and dedication to shaping us into responsible and capable cadets. Your guidance continues to inspire us to uphold the core values of honor, service, and excellence in everything we do.

May this year bring you continued strength, good health, and success in all your endeavors. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to the LNU-ROTC unit and for being a remarkable leader we look up to.

Once again, happy birthday, sir! May you have a meaningful and well-deserved celebration.

𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐒: The Leyte Normal University Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Unit successfully conducted its 11th Sunday Formation on April 12, 2026, 2nd Semester, which commenced at 0800H. The activity aimed to further strengthen the cadets’ and cadettes’ discipline, coordination, and readiness while also preparing for upcoming unit events.

The morning session began with attendance checking, followed by drill exercises and rifle handling, reinforcing precision, responsiveness to commands, and proper handling of equipment. These activities contributed to the cadets’ and cadettes’ improved military bearing, coordination, and overall formation discipline.

In the afternoon session, a meeting and discussion were conducted regarding the upcoming Military Ball and Graduation Rites, providing important information, planning details, and guidance to ensure the successful ex*****on of the said events.

The formation was supervised by 1LT LEO R RABI PA (RES), LNU-ROTC Unit Assistant Commandant, together with SSg RICKY M LEGARIO (INF) PA, ROTC Division NCO. Also present were Cpl Ni**od V Tuyor (Inf) PA and Pvt Joshua Madulid (Inf) PA, along with the Tactical NCOs; Sgt Duren M Malate PA (Res) and Sgt Jeycelyn C Dumpang PA (Res), and Graduate Military Assistant; Sgt Geron N Germe PA (Res), ensuring that all activities were conducted with discipline, coordination, and efficiency.

The formation officially ended at 1500H, marking a productive training day that combined practical exercises and organizational planning for upcoming unit activities.

𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐒: The Leyte Normal University Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Unit successfully conducted its 10th Saturday Formation on April 11, 2026, 2nd Semester, which commenced at 0800H. The activity aimed to further strengthen the cadets’ and cadettes’ discipline, coordination, and proficiency in fundamental military drills and weapon handling.

The morning session began with attendance checking, followed by drill exercises and Manual of Arms, reinforcing precision in movements, responsiveness to commands, proper rifle handling, and synchronization within the formation. Through repeated ex*****on and guided practice, the cadets and cadettes improved their timing, coordination, and overall military bearing, contributing to a more cohesive and disciplined unit.

The formation was supervised by 1LT LEO R RABI PA (RES), LNU-ROTC Unit Assistant Commandant, together with SSg RICKY M LEGARIO (INF) PA, ROTC Division NCO, ensuring that all activities were conducted with discipline, coordination, and efficiency.

The formation officially ended at 1200H, signifying a productive half-day training focused on strengthening the cadets’ and cadettes’ basic drill ex*****on and weapon handling skills.

𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐒: Leyte Normal University Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Unit successfully conducted its 9th Sunday Formation on March 29, 2026, 2nd Semester, which commenced at 0700H. The activity aimed to further enhance the cadets’ and cadettes’ discipline, coordination, and overall military proficiency through structured training and academic assessment.

The morning session began with attendance checking, followed by a series of drill exercises, rifle handling, and PASAMASID, reinforcing precision, responsiveness to commands, and unit cohesion. The cadets and cadettes also took their Midterm Examination, which assessed their knowledge and understanding of the lessons covered throughout the training period.

The formation was supervised by 1LT LEO R RABI PA (RES), LNU-ROTC Unit Assistant Commandant, together with SSg RICKY M LEGARIO (INF) PA, ROTC Division NCO. Also present were MAJ ENRICO B CALUMAG PA (RES), Commandant of Leyte Colleges ROTCU, SSg Rodulfo Nicor (OS) PA, SSg Joey L Requiez (Inf) PA, and Cpl Jesus A Donadillo Jr (Inf) PA, along with Tactical NCO; Sgt Crizza Mae B Tabuloc PA (Res) and Graduate Military Assistant; Sgt Yesha Marie B Montero PA (Res), ensuring that all activities were conducted with discipline, coordination, and efficiency.

The formation officially ended at 1200H, signifying a productive day of training that strengthened both the practical skills and academic knowledge of the cadets and cadettes.

𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞: Leyte Normal University ROTC Unit successfully conducted its 8th Sunday Formation on March 22, 2026, 2nd Semester, which commenced at 0700H. The activity aimed to further enhance the cadets’ and cadettes’ discipline, coordination, and practical field navigation skills through hands-on training and continuous drill exercises.

Prior to the conduct of the morning activities, the unit formally welcomed the new LNU-ROTC Commandant, LTC EDUARDO I MECLAT INF (GSC) PA, marking his presence and leadership in the formation.

The morning session began with attendance checking, followed by drill exercises to reinforce precision, responsiveness to commands, and overall unit cohesion. These activities continued to strengthen the cadets’ and cadettes’ military bearing and coordination.

In the morning session, 1LT HERMENEGILDO H APORDO PA (RES), Assistant Commandant of Burauen Community College, conducted a practical session on Map Reading and Land Navigation, with emphasis on the use of the compass. The cadets and cadettes were tasked to navigate through five (5) designated stations around the school, applying compass bearings, directional movement, and map interpretation. In the afternoon, the cadets and cadettes continued with drills and exercises, including PASAMASID, further improving synchronization, command ex*****on, and formation discipline.

The activity was overseen by LTC EDUARDO I MECLAT INF (GSC) PA, LNU-ROTC Unit Commandant, together with 1LT LEO R RABI PA (RES), Assistant Commandant, and SSg RICKY M LEGARIO (INF) PA, ROTC Division NCO. Also present were SSg Joey L Requiez (Inf) PA, Sgt Stephen Mesa (Inf) PA, Cpl Ni**od V Tuyor (Inf) PA, Cpl Jesus A Donadillo Jr (Inf) PA, Pvt Joshua Madulid (Inf) PA, and ROTC Head; Prof. Rogelio T Negros Jr, along with Tactical NCO; Sgt Crizza Mae B Tabuloc PA (Res) and Graduate Military Assistant; Sgt Geron N Germe PA (Res). Under their guidance, the activity was conducted in an organized and systematic manner, concluding at exactly 1630H.

𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐒: The Leyte Normal University ROTC Unit successfully conducted its 7th Sunday Formation on March 15, 2026, 2nd Semester, which commenced at 0700H. The activity aimed to further enhance the cadets’ and cadettes’ discipline, coordination, and practical skills through drills and emergency response training.

The morning session began with attendance checking, followed by drill exercises and rifle handling to reinforce precision, responsiveness to commands, and proper equipment handling during formation. These activities continued to strengthen the cadets’ and cadettes’ military bearing and overall coordination.

In the morning and afternoon lectures, the Tacloban Rescue Unit delivered a discussion on Basic Life Support (BLS), emphasizing essential life-saving procedures such as proper response during emergencies, basic first aid principles, and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) techniques applicable in critical situations, with practical demonstrations, followed by additional drill exercises.

The activity was overseen by 1LT LEO R RABI PA (RES), LNU-ROTC Unit Assistant Commandant, together with SSg RICKY M LEGARIO (INF) PA, Admin NCO, alongside GMAs; Sgt Crizza Mae B Tabuloc PA (Res) and Sgt Kyle Anthony R Pabona PA (Res). Under their guidance, the activity was conducted in an organized and systematic manner, concluding at exactly 1630H.

𝙒𝙊𝙈𝙀𝙉 𝙊𝙁 𝙑𝘼𝙇𝙊𝙍

Strength is not always loud—it is often shown through quiet courage, discipline, and the determination to lead with purpose.

This National Women’s Month, we honor and celebrate all women and women in uniform whose dedication, resilience, and leadership continue to inspire and uplift communities. We also proudly recognize the female officers of the Leyte Normal University ROTC Unit for exemplifying service, discipline, and excellence.

May their courage and commitment remind us that strength, integrity, and leadership know no boundaries.

𝙄𝘾𝙔𝙈𝙄: Salute to our Graduate Military Assistant, Sgt Anito P Olfindo Jr PA (Res)! Your hard work, discipline, and leadership have led you to this well-deserved achievement. From balancing academics, ROTC duties, and internship responsibilities to winning at the Provincial and Regional Levels of the Young Farmers Challenge, he is now preparing for the National Level competition!

As he rightly said, “Kung walang magsasaka, walang pagkain. At kung walang pagkain, mangangamba ang ating kinabukasan.”

Congratulations, Sgt Olfindo! Continue to inspire the youth, our community, and our unit!

𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺

Anito Palomo Olfindo Jr., a Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Filipino student from the College of Education – Filipino Unit of Leyte Normal University, recently earned recognition in the Young Farmers Challenge (YFC)—a national program of the Department of Agriculture that encourages young people to venture into agri-fishery enterprises.

As a student of LNU and an ROTC officer, Olfindo shared that the university played a significant role in shaping his discipline, perseverance, and commitment to excellence. These values, he explained, became important foundations when he decided to join the Young Farmers Challenge.

Although his academic program focuses on education rather than agriculture, he refused to see this as a limitation. “Sa halip, nagpursigi ako at pinag-aralan kung paano makabuo ng isang mabuting Business Model Canvas… Hindi naman ako nahirapan sa pagpili dahil nagmula rin ako sa pamilya ng mga magsasaka, at noon pa man ay hilig ko na ang pag-aalaga ng mga hayop tulad ng baboy at manok. Ngayon, ginamit ko ang hilig na ito bilang pundasyon sa pagsisimula ng aking agribusiness…” he said. Through this initiative, he was able to address the limited egg supply in their barangay while also helping support his family.

Olfindo admitted that winning at the Provincial Level of the Young Farmers Challenge came as a surprise. At the time, he was serving as a student intern and balancing multiple responsibilities. Despite feeling that he was not fully prepared during the pitching, his project RM Poultry Farm earned recognition. The surprise grew even greater when his enterprise was named one of the Top 3 winners in the Production Category at the Regional Level. With this achievement, he now qualifies for the National Level and is preparing for the upcoming competition.

The most difficult part, he shared, was managing his time. “Maliit na oras na lang ang natitira para sa paggawa ng BMC at paghanda sa pagharap sa panel of judges. Pero nagpapasalamat ako sa Leyte Normal University. Dahil sa mga reporting, activities, at sabayang deadlines ay nahasa ako nang husto. Ngayon, I can confidently say na kaya kong magtrabaho under pressure.” It was not a smooth journey, yet he credits his success to the unwavering support of his family and his deep faith in God.

For Olfindo, the significance of the Young Farmers Challenge goes beyond personal achievement. He believes that the Philippines may face serious food security problems in the coming decades if fewer young people enter agriculture. As older farmers retire, the country could become increasingly dependent on imported food. “Ang pagsasaka ay nagtuturo ng tiyaga, katatagan, at pag-asa. Nais kong ang aking kontribusyon ay magpakita sa susunod na henerasyon na ang agrikultura ay isang marangal na landas, puno ng oportunidad, at ang kinabukasan ng ating food security ay nakasalalay sa ating mga kabataan.”

To his fellow Normalistas who may hesitate to pursue farming, Olfindo offers a simple reminder: agriculture is not limited to those with agricultural degrees. “Ang lahat ng bagay ay natututuhan at napag-aaralan, kailangan lang nating imulat ang ating mga mata. At magtiwala sa ating kakayahan, karanasan, at kaalaman. Kung tayo man ay mabigo sa una, huwag tayong matakot sumubok muli hanggang makamit natin ang ating pinapangrap.”

He also encourages young people to explore programs such as the Young Farmers Challenge, which provides opportunities for youth to build their own agribusiness ventures. More importantly, he reminds everyone of a simple truth that underlies the nation’s survival: “Kung walang magsasaka, walang pagkain. At kung walang pagkain, mangangamba ang ating kinabukasan.”

Through his journey from the classroom to the poultry farm, Anito Palomo Olfindo Jr. shows that today’s Normalistas can cultivate more than knowledge—they can also cultivate the future of Philippine agriculture.

𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐒: The Leyte Normal University ROTC Unit successfully conducted its 6th Sunday Formation on March 01, 2026, 2nd Semester, which commenced at 0700H. The activity aimed to reinforce the cadets’ and cadettes’ discipline, coordination, and administrative competence through a balance of practical drills and classroom instruction.

The morning session began with attendance checking, followed by drill exercises to strengthen precision, responsiveness to commands, and overall unit cohesion. These activities continued to instill proper military bearing and consistency in the ex*****on of movements within the formation.

Sgt Anito P Olfindo PA (Res) delivered a lecture on Military Correspondence, emphasizing proper format, structure, and protocol in preparing official communications, as well as the importance of clarity, accuracy, and professionalism in military writing.

The activity was overseen by 1LT LEO R RABI PA (RES), LNU-ROTC Unit Commandant, together with SSg RICKY M LEGARIO (INF) PA, Admin NCO. Also present were the Tactical NCO; Sgt Duren M Malate PA (Res), alongside GMAs; Sgt Geron N Germe PA (Res), Sgt Crizza Mae B Tabuloc PA (Res), Sgt Ron Ashley Racasag PA (Res), Sgt Anito P Olfindo PA (Res), Sgt Randy S Limpin PA (Res), Sgt Yesha Marie B Montero PA (Res), and Sgt Joshua O Raquel PA (Res). Under their guidance, the activity was carried out efficiently and concluded at exactly 1200H.